by Kay, Jani
“Mademoiselle.” I grinned like a schoolboy, turning on all the charm I could muster.
“Hi,” she said, peering at me from under impossibly long lashes. Was she trying to hide the fact that she’d been crying for the last twenty minutes?
Resisting the urge to wipe her tear-stained cheek with my thumb, I felt unsettled. Something tugged at my heart; she’d unlocked my natural protective instincts and I didn’t even know her name.
Whoa, slow down.
She fiddled with her earphones, cursing softly. I suppressed a chuckle and leaned over. “Can I help you?”
She pursed her lips. “Please.”
Her eyes widened as I touched her hand. Good. She wasn’t immune to me. Placing the earphones over her ears, I tucked a strand of unruly hair behind her ear.
“Alain. My name is Alain.”
“Er, Bec. Rebecca.” Her voice was husky, as if she smoked a pack of cigarettes a day.
“Hello, Rebecca.”
A small dimple appeared in her cheek as she smiled at me, yet her expressive green eyes were still sad. Earlier her sobs had twisted my heart, even though she’d tried desperately to stifle them.
Lucky bastard, whoever he is.
Usually women—like the pretty little air hostess—threw themselves at me, always eager to please. Mostly for my looks. And, if they knew who I was, for my money and status.
Clearly the redhead didn’t know who I was.
Chapter 4
All ideas of not wanting to chat to the person sitting next to me evaporated into thin air. We had a long flight ahead of us, and since I wasn’t one who usually slept on a plane, I couldn’t wish for more than a sexy French guy to chat to while sipping expensive French wine.
“Do you like the wine?” Alain asked, with a sparkle in his eyes.
I took another sip and nodded. After downing two glasses of champagne, I had to slow down.
“I’m a winemaker, it runs in my blood. Several generations.” He held up the glass and swirled the liquid. “This wine is from our family estate. We provide the airline.”
Oh God, and here I’d been slinging back the drinks. My cheeks warmed as I sipped slowly, noticing the balance of flavors on my tongue. Alain smiled approvingly, his ice-blue eyes never leaving my mouth as I swallowed. I slowly licked over my lips. It wasn’t meant to be sensual; in fact my mouth went dry just from the way he was looking at me.
In an attempt to regain my composure, I lowered my glass and asked what I hoped were intelligent questions about the winemaking process. His passion radiated from his being: he gestured wildly with his arms, his words rapid fire. I could hardly keep up, yet I hung on his every word. It wasn’t only his accent, he could explain rocket science and it would sound sexy as sin.
I learned that Alain owned a chateau in Bordeaux that had been in his family for generations. Their vineyard regularly won international awards and his wines were well known around the world.
“Winemaking clearly is in your blood.” I smiled.
He nodded, deliberately changing the subject and asking about my travels.
“I couldn’t believe my luck when I landed this position. I’m actually getting paid to do what I love. And I get to see Europe too, all at the company’s expense.” I laughed, wanting to pinch myself at my good fortune.
Alain reached for my hand and gently pressed my fingers to his lips. “So beautiful and so smart. That’s an unusual combination,” he said, with a glint in his eyes and a cheeky grin. Warmth flared from my chest over my cheeks. Was he teasing me?
“You’re so damn adorable,” he said. “French women don’t blush often.” I giggled with obvious delight, acting like a tipsy teenager. The combination of wine, altitude, and a hot Frenchie had my head spinning.
This wasn’t how I usually operated. I always acted cool and collected. In control. With a fiery temperament like mine, going off the rail was career limiting. I’d gotten so good at hiding my fire that in the corporate world I had been dubbed ‘The Ice Queen.’ And, that was exactly the way I’d liked it.
It had taken a long time to build these solid walls around my heart and I guarded them fiercely. There wasn’t much that made me blush—I was a woman of the world—as I’d seen and heard most things.
Our conversation was interrupted by the same sarcastic air hostess that had been frustrated with me at the boarding gate. She offered to assist us to get ready for sleep. Her sarcasm had made way for syrupy sweetness. She fluttered her lashes at Alain, smiling broadly, brushing her hand against his when she served him a drink or removed his tray. Could she be any more obvious? I’d heard about the Mile High Club. She was available. I wonder if he will be as equally accommodating.
I chuckled quietly to myself. I couldn’t blame her. Alain was beautiful. Every inch of him—that I could see anyway—looked chiseled, as if lovingly created by a famous sculptor like Michelangelo, paying exquisite attention to every detail of the male form.
His pale arctic-blue eyes popped against his dark olive skin. His sensuous lips curved generously into a breathtaking smile, and the five o’clock shadow he was wearing, was extremely sexy. I’d had a hard time containing myself to not reach over and stroke his cheek to feel it bristle against my skin.
Stretching out, I yawned. It was time to get some shuteye. I may even be able to fall asleep for once, thanks to the good wine and spacious bed.
Excusing myself, I pushed to my feet, leaving Alain with Ms. Desperate. I sensed her relief at the opportunity to be alone with him. Alain rolled his eyes at me behind her back, as if begging me to hurry back. I laughed out loud as I disappeared into the loo.
Serves him right for being so damn hot.
Surprised that the toilet was considerably larger than the ones back in economy class, where I had to crouch like a tortoise to fit into the small space, I quickly freshened up.
Since I’d left the office without changing, it was time to get comfortable. Undoing my hair, I let it fall loosely around my shoulders and down my back. For the sake of comfort, I ditched my bra and slipped into the stretchy maxi skirt and silky camisole top Chloe had packed into my hand luggage.
An intercom announcement interrupted the silence, ordering me back to my seat.
The cabin lights had been dimmed, yet Alain grinned as his gaze raked my body. He whistled softly below his breath. My transformation was not lost on him. I smiled back at him, delighted to have this effect on the handsome Frenchman.
Ms. Desperate shot me a dirty look and retreated to the gallery with a heavy sigh.
Chapter 5
Turbulence dipped the plane and despite bracing myself, I lost my balance. Alain reached out to grab my arm to steady me, but when another jolt followed, I was forced onto his lap.
He pulled me to him, his strong arms encircling me. My heart beat wildly as I tried to settle myself, resting my hands against his hard and muscular chest. Even through the fabric of his dress shirt, I could feel that his chest was smooth.
The back of his hand caressed slowly over my cheek and traced along my jaw, the pad of his thumb skimming over my lower lip. Mesmerized, I licked over my lips, my mouth dry as a desert.
His fingertips glided down my neck, igniting heat in my groin and fire in his eyes. Before I knew, his hands were at the nape of my neck, pulling my mouth to his as he brushed his lips playfully over mine. His lips were soft and I closed my eyes to absorb the pleasure. His kiss became more urgent and passionate, as he forced my mouth open with his deft tongue, as if taking delight in tasting me.
He tasted of wine and longing. His hand stroked down the curve of my back and came to rest on my ass, his fingers burning through the fabric of my skirt. I hadn’t been kissed this passionately in a very long time. And, certainly never by a Frenchman.
Crazy, panicked thoughts ran riot through my mind. What now? How should I respond? I’d never been in a situation like this before…with a stranger. I was aroused beyond my imagination and yearning for his touch. Desire u
nfurled, burning from the inside out. It was both frightening and exhilarating.
I felt his erection stir against my hip as a groan rumbled from his chest. His tongue plundered my mouth, stroking my tongue sensuously. Inhibitions lost, I kissed him back till I was breathless.
“You taste delicious,” he panted against my mouth. My nipples strained against the fine silky fabric—desperate to break free—hungry for his touch.
The sexy Frenchman’s mouth worked its way down from my jaw, kissing my neck, his breath warm and sensuous against my skin. Without warning, he freed my breasts from their constraint, cupping them gently in his palms. I gasped as he pulled a nipple into his mouth and sucked gently. Liquid fire spread from my nipple to my groin. Fighting to suppress a shudder, I moaned softly against his neck.
His five o’clock shadow brushed the delicate skin of my breasts as he moved from one breast to the other. The sensation caused by the contrast between his luscious soft lips and the roughness of his stubble prickling my skin, was downright intoxicating.
Gently he caressed my other breast, his thumb working my nipple to a hard nub. I loved the roughness of his winemaker hands. These were working hands. He was so very cultured in every way—yet his love of the land, of the vines in particular, brought a very earthy quality to him that was sexy beyond anything I’d experienced before.
Alain’s hand on my ass gradually snaked to my ankles and disappeared under my long skirt, burning into my flesh as his hand ran slowly, sensuously up my thigh, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.
In my wildest of dreams I would never have seen this coming.
His index finger traced the outline of my panty, his palm pushing against my sex, rubbing and coaxing.
Oh God!
I’d all but forgotten how good that felt.
I should stop him. Soon.
It was too late to pretend I wasn’t turned on, he’d know just how aroused I was simply by feeling the dampness between my thighs. A slender finger slipped under the fine lace and found my hard bud. His warm lips quickly covered my mouth to swallow the low moan that escaped my lips.
This has to stop…but…I don’t want it to…it just feels so…good.
“So wet,” he murmured, lust and pleasure in his hoarse voice as his finger circled my clit leisurely. I moaned softly, burying my face in his neck, my nails digging into the hard muscles of his shoulders.
As much as I wanted him to carry on doing this to me, I wasn’t that tipsy.
“Al..Alain…s…stop,” I stuttered, trying to come back my senses—but my voice betrayed the want in me.
He looked into my eyes, raw lust beaming from them. “Just let go. Let me pleasure you tonight.” I gasped as two fingers plunged into my wetness. My breath hitched as his fingers circled inside me expertly, the sensation delicious. With his thumb he rubbed my clit, while his tongue sucked on a nipple.
I arched my back, wanting more. His erection throbbing against my hip was all too much for my senses and I could stand it no longer. I exploded around his fingers, sucking them deeper into my warmness, my orgasm so strong I wanted to cry out with pleasure. Alain hungrily possessed my mouth, kissing me hard.
Finally he released my lips and gazed down at me, a wicked smile on his face. I peered at him from under my lashes, suddenly shy.
“Your pleasure is my pleasure,” he whispered as he tasted my essence from his fingers. His eyes shone. “Ahh, so sweet, mademoiselle.”
This man—giver of pleasure and demanding none in return—was so different, so alluring he had all my senses reeling.
Gently, he withdrew his hand from under the skirt, pulled up my camisole to cover my breasts and tightened his arms around me. The generous seats had enough space for us both, so I lay in the crook of his arm as he kissed my eyelids. I let out a long sigh, completely relaxed.
“Go to sleep now,” he whispered, pulling a blanket protectively over us. Yet I shivered as a feeling of unease came over me. I couldn’t explain it. My eyes flew open.
I looked straight into angry and shocked eyes. All this time Ms. Desperate had been standing in the wings, watching us.
Chapter 6
I succumbed to the pleasure of falling asleep in Alain’s arms. I hoped I wouldn’t do anything silly like talk in my sleep, or worse still, snore. But in spite of my fears, I drifted off peacefully into a dreamless sleep. I hadn’t felt this good or satisfied in a very long time.
I woke with a start. Soft words whispered in a French accent penetrated the fuzz in my brain. “Wake up, sleepy head.” Alain was kissing my eyelids again, willing them open.
Did that really happen to me?
I was sure I would wake, finding it was all just a vivid dream. I smiled shyly at him.
What must he think of me?
I was practically a stranger and he already knew me more intimately than a lot of men I’d dated in the past. Warmth spread slowly over my cheeks as he gazed intently at me.
“You’re very beautiful when you blush,” he smiled, “I like that about you.” This, of course, only intensified the sensation, and the warm glow spread to my neck too. It was ridiculous that a woman of my age would blush this much. Surely I should’ve outgrown it by now? Apparently not.
“Rebecca,” he said, his tone serious, “I want to see you again. Come to the chateau when your conference is finished.”
My head jolted up. Did mile high clubs usually work like this?
I always understood it was a ‘slam-bam-thank-you-ma’am’ kind of thing. Meeting up again wasn’t part of the deal, was it?
“And please have lunch with me today in Paris, and if I may be a little bold, dinner as well?” We hadn’t even landed yet, and he was already making plans for the day.
He must have noticed my surprise because he quickly continued, “The conference only starts tomorrow, yes? I would love to spend your first day in Paris with you, showing you the sights.”
That certainly sounded like good offer. Instead of being alone in the most romantic city in the world, I could have my very own sexy tour guide. At least he would help me stop fretting about Julian Palmer.
“Thanks Alain, that sounds wonderful,” I replied, biting my lip as I watched for his reaction.
His broad smile displayed a row of perfect white teeth; he was showing his delight in no uncertain terms. He was so easy to please. Doubt crept into my mind: surely a man like Alain had someone waiting for him?
“Fantastic. I will organize everything. It’ll be a day you will never forget.” He promised with a silly grin.
With a few simple words everything was changing. What started out as escaping the shackles of my past was fast turning into an adventure into the unknown.
Candice announced that she was serving breakfast before landing, so I quickly returned to my seat. I gulped down the freshly squeezed orange juice. I hadn’t realized how thirsty I was. This was a day of firsts for me: freshly squeezed juice on a flight, and a naughty sexcapade. If this was anything to go by, my adventure in France was beginning on a very good note.
“Eat up,” Alain ordered, winking at me, “You are going to need all your energy for today.”
Ravenous, I smiled back at him and dug into my breakfast.
After the trays were cleared, Alain pulled out his laptop, and for the next forty minutes, was completely absorbed in it. “Work.” He smiled apologetically. I really didn’t mind, it finally afforded me some time to think about all that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.
Closing my eyes, I sighed as I remembered the most grueling goodbye I’d ever been through. Only hours before boarding the plane, Julian had held my hands in his, gazing into my eyes. I’d felt like I was drowning in his sorrow. There was nowhere to hide; he was staring into my soul.
“Don’t leave me, Becca,” he pleaded, “Not now…not after everything we’ve been through. Please.”
His voice was gruff as he pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me as if he would never let me go. I hadn�
��t trusted myself to be alone with him, so I’d made very sure that when I said my final goodbye, we had been surrounded by people from the office. He didn’t care that they were watching, their mouths gaping.
I’d inhaled his scent for the last time.
What just his touch did to me… . I couldn’t allow this man to have such an effect on me any longer. He was out of bounds. It had to stop. I had to do this for my own survival. Before I crumbled and gave in. Because, I really wasn’t that strong. I wanted Julian more than ever. But not like this.
Running away to France seemed like my last chance to get Julian Palmer out of my system. If I didn’t, I would be damned for the rest of my life. I had to do this, I had to stay strong.
Hot tears escaped from under my eyelids. I was leaving a part of myself behind. Julian had been a part of my life for a very long time. It wasn’t going to be easy. I felt like a traitor…
I remembered the nights alone in my bed: the longing for his arms around me, his lips to be joined with mine, his body covering mine.
No! I had to stop thinking about him. It was over, my new life started today. I was young enough to start over, to be happy with someone who could love me freely in return.
The universe was bringing about changes. Mysterious forces were affecting the beginning of my new life. And I imagined it could have a sexy French man in it. Even if only for a short time.